Precision Ag Blog

Through a federal appropriation secured by Congressman Robert Aderholt, $8 million is available to eligible farmers in certain watersheds to install new irrigation systems on land that is not currently irrigated. Under current federal programs, farmers and landowners are limited to improving existing systems. It is the first time in many years that funds will be available for new irrigated acres.

The funding is available on a cost-share basis through the Alabama Agricultural and Conservation Development Commission, a program run by the Alabama Soil & Water Conservation Committee. Farmers will apply at their local Conservation District office (locate yours here) and the Commission will rank the applications to determine eligibility. In this first year of funding, applicants with an existing water source will receive highest priority. All criteria for eligibility and the cost-share rate have not yet been finalized. A sign-up is expected in early 2019.

For additional information, contact Dr. William Puckett (William.Puckett@swcc.alabama.gov), Executive Director of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee.